Those of us living on the West Coast of the United States regularly read in the news of how cities here are preparing for “The Big One”—an earthquake expected to reach extreme proportions, followed by a potentially destructive tsunami. Even prior to the recent catastrophe in Japan, scientists emphasized that the likelihood of this happening is inevitable. Citizens are strongly encouraged to be prepared for such a disaster, with hopes of minimizing the prospect of extensive property damage and loss of life.

There is a spiritual basis for going beyond a hope of minimal damage, however. Through prayer, it’s possible to reject the idea that devastation and loss of life are ever part of God’s plan for His children, and affirm that divine protection and guidance are always operating in our lives. The book of Psalms says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. . . . Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof” (46:1, 3). Prayerfully, we can discover the immediacy and accessibility of the ever-present Christ, which reveals God’s protective nature anywhere. Prayer serves as an important and essential preparation for facing each day with fearless expectancy and certainty of good, dissolving the fear that we are at the mercy of destructive natural forces, or that a natural disaster can separate anyone from God’s care.

Many years ago I was caught in a small earthquake when living near a coastal city in central California. While walking outdoors, I was surprised when the ground suddenly began shaking vigorously, causing me to get down on my hands and knees for a few seconds until all waving motion of the land surface ceased. I was able to get up unharmed and continue on my way, but was startled at how helpless I had felt.

In pondering this experience over time, and in view of severe earthquakes that have occurred around the world in recent months, I am making a more consecrated effort to know that I can turn confidently to God at any time and under any circumstance, and that we need never feel vulnerable or helpless. The Bible’s explanation of the preserving power of the Christ—the calm declaration that “God is our refuge and strength”—can uplift our prayers about “The Big One,” as well as inform our practical responses. It is certainly appropriate to ensure that necessary supplies are on hand and that evacuation strategies are in place. But our daily preparation can start with prayer to understand more of God’s ever-present love and care—not only for ourselves, but for all humanity. 

Affirming God’s dominion neutralizes discouragement, fear, and helplessness while restoring stability, hope, and peace to our thought. When we feel secure and safe in the presence and power of God, this naturally leads to growing trust in and expectancy of good. And with unwavering reliance on God’s goodness, we can expect to witness clear evidence of His protecting care, healing, and timely resolution of challenges. When emergencies do become apparent, we can confidently know that God is already providing the resources, inspiration, and protection needed to be triumphant over evil. 

In Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy wrote, “The history of Christianity furnishes sublime proofs of the supporting influence and protecting power bestowed on man by his heavenly Father, omnipotent Mind, who gives man faith and understanding whereby to defend himself, not only from temptation, but from bodily suffering” (p. 387). Christ, Truth, enlightens consciousness to behold all men and women as innocent, spiritual, safe. It is the spiritual light, revealing man’s inseparable and indestructible relationship with God. His care embraces Japan, New Zealand, and other “high-risk” quake areas—including the West Coast of the US.

Affirming God’s dominion neutralizes discouragement, fear, and helplessness while restoring stability, hope, and peace to our thought.

Mrs. Eddy further explained the activity of the sheltering Christ in Science and Health: “Christ presents the indestructible man, whom Spirit creates, constitutes, and governs. Christ illustrates that blending with God, his divine Principle, which gives man dominion over all the earth” (p. 316). The light of Truth, Christ, is tenderly encouraging us to know that we can fearlessly and confidently rely on God under any circumstances. As we go about our day, let’s pray to more fully understand God’s preserving nature. Man’s safety and protection come directly from God, whose plan for His creation never includes destruction. His guardian Christ can be our constant companion.